the OPP
On Tuesday around 6:40 p.m., the Rainy River District OPP was notified of an unusual circumstance involving a lone male driver operating a brown/tan minivan on Sumac Road in Atikokan.
Police were told the male driver had pulled up alongside two female youths playing outside of a residence.
The youths told police the male asked them to get inside of the van. In return, he would give them some candy.
The children ran into the residence and reported the incident to a parent.
In the meantime, the van drove away.
Police attended the residence immediately upon receiving the call and subsequently patrolled the Atikokan Township area, but were unable to locate a vehicle matching the description.
As part of the investigation, other police officers within the region were alerted to the incident and advised to observe for a vehicle matching the description.
The OPP can confirm there have been no sightings of this vehicle since the report.
There also have been no additional reports or similar ones received from the public since the initial call.
Since the date of the initial report, police have learned of a Facebook post by a civilian that alerts the public of the incident and made reference to a similar incident occurring in Thunder Bay.
The OPP can confirm that similar incidents have not been reported to either Thunder Bay City Police or the Thunder Bay OPP.
At this time, the Atikokan occurrence is considered to be an isolated incident, but officers are continuing their investigation into the matter.
The public is encouraged to notify police if they have any information regarding this investigation.
The vehicle is described as an older-style minivan that appears “kind of boxy,” light brown or tan coloured with wood panelling on the lower portion of the entire side of the vehicle, and possibly has a roof rack.
The windows are clear, not tinted.
The male driver is described as Caucasian, clean shaven, with dark, curly, medium-length hair.
If anyone has information pertaining to this incident, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
